More Power for 2024 Yamaha WaveRunners

A new 1898cc (1.9L), four-stroke, four-cylinder, 16-valve High Output marine engine replaces the Yamaha 1.8L High Output motor that previously powered the FX Cruiser HO, FX HO, GP1800R HO and VX Cruiser HO models. This more powerful engine provides quicker and smoother acceleration and higher top-end speed. This is achieved through the engine’s increased displacement, optimised intake and exhaust paths, and a 10-percent larger throttle body for more power and torque. This new engine is paired with a new top loader intake grate on the FX HO and VX HO models for improved pickup and acceleration.
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Introducing The All-New QuietKat Lynx

EAGLE, Colo. — QuietKat Electric Bikes, the leader in off-road eBikes and a Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) brand, is proud to announce the release of a brand new eBike model. The new Lynx represents the latest in full-suspension electric bicycles from the leader in off-road eBikes and is an innovative design that pushes the envelope of style and high-performance for the brand.

The Lynx establishes a new category for QuietKat, as it takes its proven off-road capabilities and blends it with a café moto style in a fun and powerful ride that is aimed for the discerning user who demands the latest technology and a premium ride. Able to roll up the road in style, then go further when the pavement ends, the Lynx is a fully capable off-road technical machine that can tackle the roughest terrain. It will also be introduced with Variable Power Output (VPO™) technology that gives the rider the ability to change what class system the bike operates at, allowing access to more terrain and trails. Read more

Playing Baseball with Detroit Tigers Champions

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

I was stunned to learn the news that Jim Price, former Detroit Tigers catcher and World Series champion had passed away on  at the age of 81. Some 29 years ago this month, I was given the opportunity to play baseball at historic Tiger Stadium on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, where Jim orchestrated the first-ever Field of Dreams at the ol’ ballpark. I not only rubbed elbows with Tigers greats such as Willie Horton, Jim Northrup, and Jim Price, but had lunch with Radio Hall of Fame member and Tigers’ longtime announcer, Ernie Harwell. But, the biggest thrill of all was getting the nod as starting pitcher.

L-R Jim Price, me and our starting catcher meet before the first pitch

Imagine that! With 46 wild-eyed wannabees from across the nation checked in for the event – more than enough for two teams – my dream was to play outfield. In fact, during the Tigers phenomenal season and World Series triumph in 1984, I attended many games and often day-dreamed of playing just one inning in that lush, green manicured outfield. The thrill of a lifetime was upon me, however, and easily surpassed any dreams I had had.

At the age of 44 years, I had not pitched or even played hardball since I was a teen in an Oak Park city league. When Jim began counting hands of those wishing to play outfield, so many hands went up, I instantly realized that my time afield would be quite limited, if I joined them. Lots of hands went up for infield positions, as well. One player volunteered to be catcher and all that was left was to come up with three pitchers. With only two volunteers for the mound, I had run out of options and my hand went up. I was there to play and play I did.

Jim took everyone on a tour of the training room and a view into manager Sparky Anderson’s office, when a weather forecast had us dreamers onto the field under threat of rain. I had already warmed up with a teammate and headed to the mound with Willie Horton, our team’s coach, when Willie positioned himself behind the plate to catch my warm-up tosses, while the catcher got geared up. Jim came to the mound and I had to ask, “Am I supposed to let them hit it?” He barked back with an emphatic “No!”

I still possessed that speedball from my past but it was all over the place during warm-ups and the thought crossed my mind that I was going to hurt someone with a wild pitch. However, when the game began, my focus became sharp and in the two-inning stint, I had walked nobody, struck out three on the way to a one-hit shutout of Northrup’s team.
Then it happened. Our only volunteer for the catcher’s role – a big man who hadn’t played in 18 years – pulled a hamstring muscle running to first base; his dream was dashed and he was done for the weekend. As mentioned, I was there to play, and since not a single other teammate would volunteer for the catcher’s job, I grabbed it in a heartbeat; I played catcher as a teen, so it was a good fit.

Little did I know that I would reside behind the plate for the next 7 innings and for another 18 innings during the following day’s double header. Of the 46 players, I was the only one who played every minute of each game.

When Jim organized a practice session before the second day’s competition, he pitched batting practice but first made a peculiar format announcement: Catchers bat first and take as many swings as they want; all others got 5 swings. He finally had to chase me from the batters’ box, or I’d still be swinging away. Since each of our 23 players would be in the batting order during games, I made only 6 plate appearances going 3 for 5 plus a walk in the 3 games played. I had lived my dream, while gaining MVP honors from Willie Horton and teammates! It didn’t hurt to win all three games, either, under Willie’s winning attitude.

We talked baseball on the dugout steps throughout the weekend. (And, oh the stories!)

Willie Horton, Jim Price, Jim Northrup and even Ernie Harwell signed a baseball, a bat, and a hat for me and I cherish the memories of my dream weekend at the famed ballpark, whenever I look at the one-off gems.

Jim Price will always hold a special place in my heart, as I’m sure so many other dreamers feel, as well.

I’ve uploaded four videos, here, here, here and here of the Field of Dreams experience on my YouTube channel. Go ahead and turn up the volume.

Whitetails Unlimited Grants $53,000 to Catch-A-Dream Foundation

Whitetails Unlimited recently completed the second half of the Dream Sheds V program which raised more than $53,000 for the Catch-A-Dream Foundation. That brings this year’s program total to over $110,000. Since the inception of Dream Sheds in 2012, Whitetails Unlimited has provided grants totaling just shy of $700,000 to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation.

The Dream Sheds concept began when Mark and Terry Drury, who have produced extraordinary hunting videos and television shows for over 30 years as Drury Outdoors, approached Whitetails Unlimited with an innovative idea. They had collected a large number of exceptional shed antlers from their properties in Iowa and Missouri and were willing to donate them to use as a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Working with WTU, the Catch-A-Dream Foundation was identified, and the program came together. This is now the fifth time Terry and Mark have provided the sheds that help make this program successful.

Catch-A-Dream is a national, charitable foundation, that provides once-in-a-lifetime dream hunting and fishing trips to children across the United States and Canada, age 18 and younger, who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. Through these adventures, and exposure to outdoors-minded people who care, the program instills in these children a message of encouragement at a time when they need to know that hope does exist. For more information about the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, visit catchadream.org. Read more

Michigan: water source confirmed in Ontonagon County, search for viable water supply continues

Piping determined to be too fragile for continued use

While the source of water supplying two residences and an unregulated trailside spigot has been confirmed in Ontonagon County’s Greenland Township, the search for a safe, viable and affordable water supply continues.

A Michigan Department of Natural Resources crew recently uncovered an old wellhead off the Bill Nichols Rail-Trail that has been determined to feed the homes and the trailside stop where the water has been used for drinking water and other watering needs for decades.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has granted the DNR an extension into September to determine whether potential alternatives exist that might keep the water available to the public. Read more

K9 Gordon and Warden Pomerleau Locate Missing 15-Year-Old Boy

Warden K9 Gordon and Game Warden Preston Pomerleau located a missing 15-year-old boy who had gotten lost camping after he had gotten up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom while camping.

Nathan Beckman, age 15, of Scarsdale, NY, was on a backpacking trip on the Grafton Loop Trail in western Maine. The Grafton Loop Trail is a remote 38-mile loop trail that connects nine mountain peaks. Beckman was on a trip with Overland Summers, a Williamstown, Mass. Organization that specializes in youth outdoor adventure trips.

Beckman had gotten out of his tent at the Bull Brook Campsite to go to the restroom at approximately 3:15 yesterday morning. Trip Leaders had heard Beckman get out of his tent, then heard distant yelling. Trip leaders confirmed he had not returned to his tent and began searching for him, but were unable to locate him or get him to come back. When they could no longer hear him, they called 911 a little after 5:00 a.m. yesterday.

Game Wardens responded to the scene and began to conduct a search in the rugged terrain on the southern slopes of Old Speck Mountain and Slide Mountain. 15 game wardens responded, along with over 40 personnel from search and rescue teams from across the state. Responding organizations included Newry Fire Department, Mahoosuc Mountain Rescue Team, Franklin SAR, Wilderness Rescue Team, Maine SAR Dogs, Maine Mounted SAR, Southern Maine Law Dogs, Maine Forest Service, and Bethel Fire Department. Read more

Yamaha Unleashes the 2024 YXZ1000R SS

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, the pioneer in delivering the industry’s first and only direct-connection pure-sport Side-by-Side (SxS), announces enhancements to the 2024 YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift), highlighted by a new 6-speed transmission and all-new Yamaha Auto-Shift Technology in the SS variant. Assembled in Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Newnan, Georgia, the new YXZ1000R lineup raises the bar in terms of capability, comfort, and versatility, promising unforgettable off-road adventures for pure-sport SxS enthusiasts across the country.

The highlight of the 2024 YXZ1000R SS is Yamaha’s exclusive Auto-Shift Technology, featuring three modes of direct-connection, conveniently accessible via a dash-mounted dial. This groundbreaking technology provides automatic-transmission drivers with the pure sport experience while offering the flexibility of switching to manual gear selection for an unparalleled direct-connection driving experience. The new 6-gear, close-ratio transmission is designed to excel during low-speed operation on various terrains, ensuring the vehicle stays within the ideal powerband without compromising high-speed performance. Furthermore, the enhanced transmission boosts clutch durability, delivers smoother engagement, and optimizes the overall driving experience. The new YXZ1000R SS also showcases increased accessory integration with a higher electrical output and added accessory ports and plugs.

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Yamaha Unveils 2024 Proven Off-Road ATV and Side-by-Side Lineup

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, sets a new standard for Proven Off-Road 2024 Side-by-Side (SxS) and ATV models with the unveiling of all-new models and technological enhancements. The 2024 collection showcases Yamaha’s commitment to providing optimal capability, comfort, and confidence for every off-road enthusiast, whether conquering the toughest terrain or embarking on epic adventures.

Manufactured with pride at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facility in Newnan, Georgia, every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV is assembled in the USA and distributed worldwide. The 2024 lineup boasts a wide range of models designed to cater to various preferences and needs: Read more

Introducing the All-New Proven Off-Road Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, expands its Proven Off-Road lineup of recreational Side-by-Sides (SxS) with the launch of the all-new Wolverine X2 1000. Designed to embody the power and performance of Yamaha’s flagship Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup, the Wolverine X2 1000 offers exceptional capability, comfort, and confidence within a compact and value-packed machine.

Inspired by the success of the Wolverine X2, the new Wolverine X2 1000 blends a range of enhancements, derived from both the 850 platform and premium RMAX 1000 series. Key upgrades include a 999-cc twin-cylinder engine, a premium automotive-style interior, switch prewiring for the optional Yamaha D-Mode technology, fully adjustable suspension, and 28-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires mounted on all-new tuning-fork inspired aluminum wheels. Read more

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